Admin denies permission for ‘Martyrs’ Day’ gathering in old Srinagar

Srinagar : The District Administration of Srinagar has denied permission for visits to Khawaja Bazar, Nowhatta on July 13, Martyrs’ Day, which commemorates the 1931 killings of 22 Kashmiris protesting against the Dogra monarchy. This decision affects several political leaders, including those from the ruling National Conference, who had planned to pay respects at the Martyrs’ Graveyard. The administration has issued a warning against violating this order, emphasizing that legal action will be taken against any infractions. Martyrs’ Day was previously recognized as a gazetted holiday until the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, after which the Jammu and Kashmir administration, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, removed it from the official holiday calendar and prohibited any official commemorative events. In anticipation of movement restrictions, PDP leader Iltija Mufti visited the graveyard to pay her respects, expressing concern over the perceived erasure of the martyrs’ legacy. Political tensions have escalated surrounding Martyrs’ Day, with notable figures like Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, currently under house arrest, lamenting the inability to hold traditional commemorative processions. He emphasized the historical significance of honoring the martyrs and criticized the ongoing restrictions. Additionally, Sajad Lone, President of the Peoples Conference, has called for the restoration of July 13 as an official public holiday, asserting that the memory of the martyrs remains sacred and cannot be diminished by administrative decisions.